DURHAM — Tyrese Proctor highlighted the “fear” factor associated with Duke basketball as the 2024-25 season unfolds. “I think that’s something that we’ve all talked about as a team,” Proctor noted. “We want to be one of those Duke teams that instills fear when we walk into the gym, letting everyone know we are serious and ready to compete.”
While the second-ranked Blue Devils may not have intimidated their rivals from UNC on Saturday night at Cameron Indoor Stadium, they certainly showcased their dominance with an 87-70 victory. Duke (19-2, 11-0 ACC) delivered relentless offensive pressure, stretching their lead to as much as 32 points during the game. Although UNC (13-10, 6-5) attempted a late-game surge led by Drake Powell, who scored 12 points in the second half, it was not enough to change the outcome significantly.
Duke’s standout performances came from several players: Kon Knueppel led the team with 22 points, followed closely by Cooper Flagg with 21 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Tyrese Proctor contributed 17 points, while Sion James rounded out the scoring with 13 points. For UNC, RJ Davis managed 12 points and Seth Trimble added 10 points, alongside Powell.
The first half of the game was particularly impressive for Duke, especially freshman Cooper Flagg, who posted 13 points, five assists, four rebounds, two steals, and two blocks in just 19 minutes. His skill was on full display when he made a fadeaway jumper just before the halftime buzzer, securing a commanding 22-point lead for Duke.
UNC struggled significantly, committing 14 turnovers that Duke capitalized on, turning those mistakes into 19 points. Although the Tar Heels adjusted their strategy and improved their offensive movement in the second half, their attempts were often marred by a tendency to isolate, resulting in stagnant plays on the court. Point guard Elliot Cadeau, in particular, faced challenges with five turnovers in the first half.
A noteworthy aspect of the game was the return of Maliq Brown to the Duke lineup after missing four games due to a knee sprain. Brown made an immediate impact on defense, with his first possession resulting in a steal that fueled a Duke scoring surge. His defensive tenacity was evident as he harried the UNC offense, contributing two steals and disrupting plays, even if his contributions didn’t fully reflect in traditional statistics.
This performance marks Duke’s 15th consecutive victory, emphasizing their strong position in the ACC. The Blue Devils look poised to continue their impressive season, embodying both skill and a commanding presence on the court.
Overall, the game illustrates Duke’s potential this season, showcasing their depth and talent, while UNC may need to reevaluate their strategy to remain competitive in upcoming games.